Joseph Howard Hastings

Lieutenant Colonel Joseph H. “Joe” Hastings, United States Air Force retired, joined his beautiful bride in the arms of our Lord, Wednesday, 19 December. Joe passed peacefully in his sleep surrounded by his loving children after a brief battle with cancer. There will be a visitation at 9:30 am and funeral mass at 10:00 am on Monday, 31 December at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Pensacola followed by a gathering with light refreshments in the Church Hall. Inurnment will be at 12:30 at Barrancas National Cemetery. Joe is preceded in death by his wife of 63 years Alyce (Regan) Hastings who passed away 9 weeks ago on 25 October. He is survived by his seven children, Larry (Loretta) Hastings, Mary (Ira) Rothman, Bill (Jane) Hastings, Alyce Hastings, Ellen Hastings, Joe (Beth) Hastings, Karen (Charlie) Robinson as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Joe’s life was dedicated to the service of his God, Country, Family, and Community. Joe was born and raised in North East Pennsylvania. He graduated from Scranton Central High School where he met his future wife, Alyce. They were married in 1954 after Joe graduated from Penn State University and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Air Force. Joe served 23 years retiring in 1977 as a Lieutenant Colonel and faculty member at the Air Force Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. After his successful Air Force career, Joe continued to serve his community as a psychologist, running two mental health centers for the state of Alabama. After Joe retired from the state of Alabama, Alyce and he traveled the country in an RV ultimately settling in Deming, New Mexico where he and Alyce were a part of a very active retirement community. Joe was an active member of the many Catholic parishes where Alyce and he lived. He was a Sunday school and parenting class teacher, volunteer, lector and lay minister. Joe loved music and acting and performing for family and friends. Joe was a friendly, kind, and generous man. He treated everyone he met with dignity and respect, learning and calling everyone by name and demonstrating his sincere interest in their wellbeing. He was a blessing to every life he touched. His many friends and family will miss him terribly but are comforted in the knowledge that he is home with our Lord. The family wishes to thank the staff and residents of the Veranda where Joe and Alyce lived for the last four years as well as Emerald Coast Hospice. FAITH CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME SOUTH, 100 Beverly Pkwy, is entrusted with the arrangements. You may express your condolences online at www.fcfhs.com

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Joseph Howard Hastings

September 21, 1932 - December 19, 2018